Masonville Cove

What began as the restoration of an abandoned and neglected parcel of land in the Middle Branch has become something very special. Masonville Cove is 70 acres of water and 54 acres of cleaned-up wetlands, nature trails, and a protected bird sanctuary, all soon-to-be protected by a conservation easement and part of the Shores of Baltimore Land Trust. The Masonville project developed from mitigation tied to the creation of a Dredged Material Containment Facility (DMCF) by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). This created an opportunity for the local residents and schoolchildren (from Brooklyn, Curtis Bay, and Cherry Hill) to connect with their natural environment and participate in meaningful stewardship projects related to the Masonville DMCF.

Masonville Cove has free community programs!

Help us conduct Scientific Monitoring!

Join MCEEC staff and volunteers for a citizen science project that makes monthly observations of wildlife, fish, and water quality in the conservation area. Come prepared for the weather conditions; watch the Facebook page for weather related postponements. Please dress appropriately for outdoor work: closed toe shoes, sun and insect protection. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Come on a Guided Nature Walk!

Join MCEEC staff for a guided nature walk around the Masonville Cove Campus. We look for live animals, natural artifacts, and exciting changes to the landscape based on the season. You never know what may show up on a walk around the campus!.

Seasonal Celebrations!

Join MCEEC staff for crafts and festivities themed around the season and upcoming holidays! Come have fun converting natural materials and recyclables into decorations, enjoy a guided nature walk on the Masonville Cove Campus.

Become a Volunteer!

We would love to have your help around campus . . . this could be as simple as helping us feed the animals in our small display room and weeding the native gardens, to as dedicated as helping out with the public programs described above, or even assisting with our education programs.

The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) certified Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center as a Green Center in Baltimore City. Green Center status is awarded to facilities based on their efforts in implementation of environmental education, best management practices, and community engagement. They also offer support to schools working towards being awarded Maryland Green School Status. To learn more about the Green Center and Green School Program, and to see if you could become one too, visit the
MAEOE Green Schools and Centers site.